Cinnamon Apple Crisp with Vegan Streusel Topping

This is the best Vegan Apple Crisp ever! Tender, perfectly sweetened apples are topped with a buttery, crispy oat crumble. Serve warm with dairy-free vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for an irresistible Fall dessert.

This vegan apple crisp is classic comfort food — simple to make and consistently crowd-pleasing. It captures all the cozy flavors of apple pie without the fuss of rolling dough. The secret is thinly sliced apples coated in a lightly spiced, buttery mixture and finished with a crunchy oat topping that bakes to golden perfection.

After many tests, this recipe balances texture and flavor so the apples become tender while the topping stays crisp. It’s ideal for fall when apples are at their best, and leftovers reheat well for another comforting treat.

Ingredients you need

• Apples – Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness; other crisp baking apples can work too.
• Vegan butter – A spreadable vegan butter works well; coconut oil is a possible substitute.
• All-purpose flour – Regular flour is used here; a gluten-free blend can be tried but may change texture.
• Lemon juice – Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
• Brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth; it performs better here than granulated sugar.
• Cinnamon – For warm spice.
• Salt – Enhances flavor.
• Rolled oats – Provide a crunchy, oat-forward topping.
• Baking powder – Helps the topping crisp and lift slightly.

How to make Vegan Apple Crisp

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
2. Peel, core and chop the apples into thin, small pieces so they cook through and become tender. Place the apples in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter and flour. Add water, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt, stirring until smooth. Pour this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.
4. Transfer the coated apples to the prepared baking dish and spread them into an even layer.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Cut in the vegan butter (with fingers or a pastry cutter) until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
6. Scatter the topping evenly over the apples and bake on the center rack for about 45 minutes, until the topping is golden and crispy and the apples are bubbling and tender.
7. Let the crisp cool slightly, then serve warm with non-dairy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of vegan caramel if desired.

Toppings

For the best experience, serve the crisp warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream (cashew- or coconut-based ice creams are great) and a drizzle of vegan caramel to elevate the flavor and add a rich finish.

Tips for the best crisp

• Choose the right apple: Granny Smiths are tart, firm and ideal for baking. Honeycrisp can be used but reduce added sugar because they’re sweeter.
• Slice apples thinly: Thin, small pieces become tender in the oven; large chunks may remain undercooked.
• Serve warm: The topping is crispiest right from the oven. Leftovers are still delicious but the topping softens over time.
• Add caramel: A drizzle of vegan caramel makes the dessert extra indulgent.

Want more vegan apple recipes?

• Vegan Apple Cake
• Vegan Apple Pie

And more show-stopping Fall desserts?

• Vegan Pumpkin Cake Bars
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie
• Vegan Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Vegan Pecan Bars

*This recipe was first published November 2018 and has been updated with new photos and clearer instructions.